With energy conservation looming large, Playmobil has brought back their Recycling Truck. A perfect hands on prop for making recycling part of your child's world--both real and pretend! Truck comes with three bins and two play figures.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

We've seen a lot of cardboard furniture in the past, but we were attracted to this chair (designed by an architect). They have a very modern clean look and our testers loved that they can hold up to 200 pounds! Our testers had their older siblings take a seat - putting the chair through its paces. This completely recyclable project also got high marks for being reversible so that there were two decorating opportunities. You can use the included big stickers (think Marimekko inspired)...or you can use your own materials to decorate. Lots of fun...a table is in the works.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

The Crayon Maker is a past Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winner that is making a come back this year. As with the original, kids can take their old crayons and make their own "colors" by combining pieces in the mold. From our point of view, the machine has been improved--you can now see through the dome as the crayons melt. (The process was hidden in the previous design.) The machine will not open until the tray is cool--we put the tray into the freezer to speed up the process. Takes a 60-watt candelabra light bulb--not included but well marked as such on the box. Still lots of fun!

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.